Metro
Immigration Service Collaborates with FRONTEX, Poland on Border Security
An Eight-Man Delegation of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has paid a two-day working visit to the headquarters of the European Border Agency, the FRONTEX.
The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mr. Amos Okpu, in a statement released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), said the Service paid the visit last week to hold discussions with the agency officials on border security and migration management matters.
He noted that the delegation, which was led by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of the Directorate of Border Management, DCG Muhammad Aminu Muhammad mni was received on arrival at the FRONTEX Headquarters in Warsaw, Poland by senior officials of the organization including Mr. Iain Galea of the International Cooperation Division.
In her welcome remarks, the interim Executive Director of FRONTEX, Aija Kalnaja, stated that Nigeria, and indeed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), remains a very dependable partner to her agency in the areas of border security and migration management. She stressed that the relationship between her agency and the NIS dated back to 2012 when both agencies entered into a Working Arrangement on Border Security and Migration Management. She maintained that the relationship has remained very enduring and useful to both agencies particularly in the areas of experience sharing and capacity building. She made a case for enhanced collaboration and partnerships by border agencies for a sustained fight against cross-border crimes, especially migrants smuggling and trafficking.
“I sincerely hope that both agencies will explore the opportunity of this meeting to examine the existing Working Arrangement to see if there are areas of possible review in line with current global migratory reality,” she stated.
Responding, the NIS team leader and Head of the Directorate of Border Management, DCG Aminu Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded his team. He stressed that modern migratory realities are indicating that no unilateral efforts at migration and border security management will endure hence meetings such as this should be encouraged. He reiterated NIS’ strong commitment to healthy collaboration with friendly Border security agencies such as FRONTEX, and called for frank discussions during plenary. He further stressed the need for countries in Europe and other developed states to look beyond establishing border barricades to control migration, but make enduring arrangements to sincerely join efforts with authorities in developing countries to frontally address the pull and push factors of modern migration. He reiterated that the quantum of investments in building high-rise border barricades would not yield lasting benefits if the living conditions of people in developing countries remain abysmally poor.
Earlier, the facilitator of the trip and Country Representative of FIIAPP, implementer of the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM), Mr. Rafael Molina, stated that his organisation decided to facilitate the trip with the aim of building enhanced synergy between FRONTEX and NIS for a more coordinated approach to the fight against irregular and dangerous migration.
The meeting witnessed robust plenary sessions during which presentations on matters such as the role of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) the NIS Regional Migration Academy Fundamental Human Rights as an Essential Component of European Integrated Border Management, FRONTEX Law Enforcement Function and the Fight Against TIPSOM in the EU, Fundamental Human Rights as an Essential Component of European Integrated Border Management, FRONTEX Support in the Entire Return Process among others were made.
Some major highlights of the meeting include expressions of strong commitment to enhanced collaboration and partnership by both agencies in the fight against irregular migration as well as robust assurances for more enriching capacity building engagements between both agencies.
The delegation, before rounding up the trip, visited the Nigerian Embassy, and got treated to a very warm reception by His Excellency, Major General (retd) Christian C. Ugwu, the Nigerian envoy to Poland and his great team. The delegation has since returned to Abuja.
As the world marks World Youth Skills Day on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with the theme “Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has called for a nationwide action aimed at tackling Nigeria’s youth digital skills deficit.
In a statement signed by NOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Association, Theresa Moses, urged governments at all levels, corporate organizations, development partners, academic institutions, civil society, and the media to prioritize investments in digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, and equitable access to ICT resources for Nigerian youth.
“We are sitting on a ticking time bomb if we continue to ignore the urgent need for AI and digital empowerment among our youth. This is no longer optional — it is a national emergency,” Moses warned.
Nigeria youth population, with nearly 60% of the total population, faces significant barriers to digital inclusion. According to recent statistics: Only 36% of Nigerians currently use the internet and insignificant 7% of youth possess basic ICT skills.
It also revealed: Only 15% have advanced digital competencies, and a staggering 31% of Nigerian youth are not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
This growing divide is particularly intriguing as the global economy rapidly shifts toward automation, green innovation, remote work, and AI-driven industries.
“With AI already transforming industries worldwide, Nigeria risks being left behind unless urgent, coordinated efforts are made to close the digital skills gap,” Moses added.
Media Advocacy, Real Stories, and Youth Voices
To commemorate this year’s World Youth Skills Day, NOMA and its media partners are launching a week-long advocacy campaign spotlighting young Nigerians who are applying AI and digital skills to create change in their communities. The campaign will also feature subject matter experts in digital learning and innovation, who will share insights on challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.
Moses emphasized the importance of amplifying youth voices, promoting positive success stories, and shaping policies and investments that create pathways to meaningful digital inclusion.
A National Call to Action
NOMA is urging key sectors of society to step up: Federal, State, and Local Governments to Strengthen digital education policies, scale programs such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, and integrate AI and ICT training into both formal and informal education systems.
Corporate Organizations: Support youth-focused innovation hubs, provide mentorship, and invest in digital internship and apprenticeship schemes.
Development Partners and Donors: Prioritize funding for technology-driven education and youth digital inclusion projects.
Academic Institutions: Embed digital literacy, AI, and emerging technologies into school curricula at all levels.
Media and Content Creators: Use storytelling platforms to promote awareness and inspire action through compelling narratives on digital transformation and youth empowerment.
“If we want inclusive economic growth, then AI and digital literacy must be recognized as a basic right — not a privilege,” Moses said.
“Let this year’s World Youth Skills Day be the turning point. Together, let’s ensure Nigeria’s youth are truly WorkLifeReady.”
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has commiserated with the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, the government and people of Katsina State, the Nigerian Military and Nigerians in general on the death of a former two-terms President and Head of State at one time, General Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday.
In a condolence statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Eric Elezuo, on behalf of the president, Mr. Oki Samson, the Association acknowledged the former President’s hard stance on corruption, and how he became a symbol of due process during his time both as a Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985 on one hand and president between 2015 and 2023, noting that he did his best as a leader, and deserves Aljannah Firdaus.
“We note with shock and sadness the death of our former Head of State and President, Muhammadu Buhari, whose sad event occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the London Clinic, in England.
“We extend our sincere condolences to President Bola Tinubu and his entire cabinet, Governor Radda, the government and people of Katsina State, members of the Armed Forces and the Nigerians in general as we all mourn a man, who is reputed as the architect of the war against all forms of indiscipline and corruption.
“We recall with nostalgia how his emergency as president in 2015 made everyone in the public to sit up to their responsibilities, gave insurgents the scare of their of their lives, and made security, which hitherto was a scarce commodity to return.
“Buhari was a statement of immense ability, a soldier of fortune and an administrator with a human face. Nigerians of all creed will surely miss him. The political class, especially in the northern will miss and the military, which he served diligently since joining in 1962 will miss.
“We join Nigerians, and the entire world to pray that Allah forgives Buhari’s imperfections, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement read.
The late former President, who translated from a distinguished military officer to a prolific politician is remembered mostly for his bravery in the military front and distinct attention to security welfarism, astute political decisions, proud family man and crystal clear friend to as many that has a very close relationship with him.
The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Nigeria from London.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying his remains touched down at the Katsina airport, where it was received by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, along with senior military officers.
